rying off Cadichon to the
island where she still holds her niece captive. But should she make an
evil use of the power she has, her punishment will be swift and great.
And now I will give you this precious phial. Guard it carefully, for
the liquid it contains will cause you to become invisible, and safe
from the piercing eyes of all fairies. Against the eyes of mortals it
has no charm!'

With a heart somewhat lighter, the Fairy of the Fields returned to her
own island, and, the better to protect the six new marionettes from
the wicked fairy, she sprinkled them with a few drops of the liquid,
only avoiding just the tips of their noses, so that she might be able
to know them again. Then she set off for the kingdom of Petaldo, which
she found in a state of revolt, because for the first time since he
had ascended the throne he had dared to impose a tax. Indeed, matters
might have ended in a war, or in cutting off the king's head, had not
the fairy discovered a means of contenting everybody, and of
whispering anew to the queen that all was well with her children, for
she dared not tell her of the loss of Cadichon.

And what had become of Cadichon? Well, the Fairy of the Fields had
found out--by means of her books, which had told her--that the poor
little boy had been placed by Gangana in an enchanted island, round
which flowed a rapid river, sweeping rocks and trees in its current.
Besides the river, the island was guarded by twenty-four enormous
dragons, breathing flames, and forming a rampart of fire which it
seemed as if none could pass.

The Fairy of the Fields knew all this, but she had a brave heart, and
determined that by some means or other she would overcome all
obstacles, and rescue Cadichon from the power of Gangana. So, taking
with her the water of invisibility, she sprinkled it over her, and
mounting her favourite winged lizard, set out for the island. When it
appeared in sight she wrapped herself in her fireproof mantle; then,
bidding the lizard return home, she slipped past the dragons and
entered the island.

Scarcely had she done so than she beheld Gangana approaching her,
talking loudly and angrily to a genius who flew by her side. From what
she said, the fairy learned that Petaldo's mother, the old queen, had
died of rage on hearing of the marriage of the king of the Green Isles
to a young and lovely bride, and instead of leaving her kingdom to
Gangana, had bequeathed it to one of the children of her